"Woe to me if I preach not the gospel."

After dinner it is quite difficult to contain my daughters. Prior to the meal they are usually a bit sluggish. But in no time at all, once they have eaten they are like wild Indians. That is because the meal has replenished their strength. The nutrients that they get from that food has a renewing power that is almost immediate.

As we come to this table today, I wish to remind you that the same ought to occur here. I do not doubt that many of you come here this morning weary and sullen. You have labored long in the week. You have met with many temptations. I don’t doubt that you have exhausted many of your spiritual energies. You have grown weary of pursuing perfection and striving for holiness.

I want you to know that this table is for you. Here you find all the nutrients your soul craves. This meal is provided that your strength might be renewed; that you might be energized to live for Christ and engage in the battle against sin.

The Lord provides tokens of his grace. He bids you, sinner, to come. Eat of his flesh and drink deeply of his blood. Fill yourself with the goodness of his being and satiate your appetite with the truth of his saving work. For when you do you will find that God will impart new zeal and vigor for his service.

Of course, if you are not spiritually hungry, we ask that you not partake. For this meal is not meant for you. If you do not eat this meal in faith, it can be like taking medicine that is not prescribed to you. It can cause more harm than good.

But if you need the refreshment of the gospel, we encourage you to enjoy the bounty of this great feast.

COMMUNION PRAYER O God of mercy,

We do not presume to come to this Table trusting in our own righteousness. It is only by the bounty of our kindness that we may approach it. Indeed, O God, we are not worthy enough to gather the crumbs from beneath the table, let alone fill our pallet with its goodness.

But you are filled with grace and ever abounding with steadfast love. So we look to you to grant us to eat of the flesh of your dear son and to drink of his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his sacrifice and our souls washed by his most precious blood. And in doing so we pray that we may ever dwell in him and he in us. Amen.